The Hi-Desert Nature Museum’s website is currently undergoing changes!
For the most up-to-date information on current exhibits, events, and programming, please follow the Museum on social media (Facebook/Instagram) or contact Museum staff at 760-369-7212.
Upcoming Events
Summer Camp – Junior Naturalist
3-Day Camp
June 17-19, 2026 Ages 7-9
June 24-26, 2026 Ages 10-12
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$50 per camper – Registration required!
This summer, let your child’s curiosity blossom! Our three-day Jr. Naturalist Camp invites kids to become explorers of the natural world through hands-on adventures at the museum and beyond.
With a mix of outdoor exploration, creative activities, and plenty of playful discoveries, this camp is the perfect way for kids to connect with nature and spark their sense of wonder.
SOLD OUT, Ideal for ages up to 12 years-old
HDNM’s Discovery Kit is designed to spark curiosity and hands-on learning for kids ages 5-12. Each kit includes a variety of engaging activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. Through sensory play, simple experiments, and guided projects, children can discover new concepts in nature, science, and art at their own pace.
All presold kits will be available for pick-up on July 8th.
All kits are sold out, thank you!
Summer Camp – Ectotherm Extravaganza
3-Day Camp
July 15-17, 2026 Ages 7-9
July 22-24, 2026 Ages 10-12
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$50 per camper – Registration required!
Get ready for a wild adventure at our reptile-themed discovery summer camp, a fun-filled experience designed especially for curious kids who love animals!
Over three exciting days, campers will explore the fascinating world of reptiles, from slithering snakes to sun-loving lizards and even desert tortoises. Each day is packed with interactive activities, live animal encounters, creative crafts, and outdoor exploration. Kids will learn how reptiles live, what they eat, how they survive in different environments, and why they’re so important to our planet.
Saturday, August 1, 2026
10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
All ages welcome
Free, registration not required.
Join us for First Saturday Cart Talks at the HDNM! Visitors will enjoy a hands-on experience while learning about local desert animals.
Explore how skull shapes reveal what animals eat and feel the textures of different furs while learning about the wildlife that lives in our region.
Perfect for curious minds of all ages, Stop by, ask questions, and discover the stories these natural treasures tell!
Exhibits on Display
On display May 23 - September 5, 2026
Step onto the giant game board, grab a tortoise game piece, and give the spinner a whirl to begin your turtle journey. Before you reach the finish line, visit each interactive station to learn about how to protect turtles from the hazards they face. Find out what it’s like for a turtle trying to cross a road or traverse changing habitats. Be a turtle tracker and see how real field biologists track animals in the wild. Trek along this turtle terrain and you’ll find out that slow and steady not only wins the race, but takes turtles on some amazing journeys!
Turtle Travels was developed by the Environmental Exhibit Collaborative (EEC) and funded by Jane’s Trust and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and produced by Ecotarium (Worcester, MA) in partnership with the Sciencenter (Ithaca, NY).
